Shaping the Digital Future
Interview with Tim Weckerle, Managing Director of OptWare GmbH
The world is increasingly controlled by artificial intelligence and algorithms. In light of rapid technological advancements, it is expected that AI will play an even more central role in the strategic orientation and competitiveness of companies in the future. OptWare GmbH, based in Regensburg, has been involved in these developments for 25 years and fully exploits the possibilities of this technology.
The optimization of production processes is the core of OptWare. "We boost efficiency through smart algorithms," explains CEO Tim Weckerle. The company specializes in multi-site combinatorial optimization and develops customized solutions for production-related planning, including capacity allocation, sequencing, and logistics. Furthermore, OptWare offers predictive analyses to detect potential bottlenecks in material flows as well as data-driven support for 'Make-or-Buy' decisions.
Measured Implementation of Solutions
The second focus of OptWare is on the integration of AI in production processes. "We use AI with discretion and avoid implementing it at all costs," emphasizes Tim Weckerle. The company pursues a pragmatic approach, combining machine learning techniques with optimization algorithms to achieve workable results. A central concern is to ensure not only that the solutions work in the short term but also that they are maintainable in the long run. It is important to ensure that the technology is not only implemented once but adjusted continuously.
The Future of Optimization
OptWare sees quantum computing as a pioneering approach to solving complex problems. "We have a quantum computer simulator to simulate quantum computers on high-performance computers," explains Tim Weckerle. "We use this technology to solve existing problems in optimization and to prepare the company for the challenges of the future." The managing director is convinced that the capacity limits of today's computers will soon be reached and that quantum computing will play a crucial role in overcoming these challenges. The company is investing in the development of solutions that can run on both conventional hardware and quantum computers.
All Roads Lead to the Cloud
For the future, OptWare plans to make its optimization and AI modules generally available via a platform through the cloud, including the integration of quantum computing technology. "We aim to generate our revenue mainly through this platform in the next five years," explains Tim Weckerle. "This will enable us not only to grow in Germany but also internationally."